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Major Pests in Dallas-Fort Worth Area
RODENTS - RATS AND MICE
Recent years, some areas of Texas are experiencing greatly increased rodent activity. Rats and mice eat and contaminate human, pet and livestock foods. They also destroy property by chewing wires, which may cause fires, as well as gnaw pipes, chew water hoses and damage wood doors, floors, walls, clothing and furniture. They also carry diseases harmful to humans and domestic animals.
An integrated approach is the best for rodent management. With through inspection, possible means of control include exclusion, using rodenticides and traps, removal of shelter, removal of food and water, and so on. You can find additional information on “Managing Rats and Mice” by CLICK HERE.
Recent years, some areas of Texas are experiencing greatly increased rodent activity. Rats and mice eat and contaminate human, pet and livestock foods. They also destroy property by chewing wires, which may cause fires, as well as gnaw pipes, chew water hoses and damage wood doors, floors, walls, clothing and furniture. They also carry diseases harmful to humans and domestic animals.
An integrated approach is the best for rodent management. With through inspection, possible means of control include exclusion, using rodenticides and traps, removal of shelter, removal of food and water, and so on. You can find additional information on “Managing Rats and Mice” by CLICK HERE.
COCKROACHES
To date approximately 4,600 cockroach species have been named, of which about 30 species are associated with human habitats. Among the best-known pest species are the American cockroach, the German cockroach, the Asian cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach.
Cockroaches are one of the most commonly noted household pest insects. They feed on human and pet food and can leave an offensive odor. They can also passively transport microbes on their body surfaces including those that are potentially dangerous to humans, particularly in environments such as hospitals. Cockroaches are linked with allergic reactions in humans.
General preventive measures against household pests include keeping all water and food stored away in sealed containers, using garbage cans with tight lids, frequent cleaning in the kitchen, and regular vacuuming. Sometimes, you may have to call a professional pest control company to solve your problem.
CLICK HERE to link to more details about cockroach management.
To date approximately 4,600 cockroach species have been named, of which about 30 species are associated with human habitats. Among the best-known pest species are the American cockroach, the German cockroach, the Asian cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach.
Cockroaches are one of the most commonly noted household pest insects. They feed on human and pet food and can leave an offensive odor. They can also passively transport microbes on their body surfaces including those that are potentially dangerous to humans, particularly in environments such as hospitals. Cockroaches are linked with allergic reactions in humans.
General preventive measures against household pests include keeping all water and food stored away in sealed containers, using garbage cans with tight lids, frequent cleaning in the kitchen, and regular vacuuming. Sometimes, you may have to call a professional pest control company to solve your problem.
CLICK HERE to link to more details about cockroach management.
TERMITES
As stated by Dr. Roger E. Gold, a Professor and Extension Specialist in Urban Entomology at The Texas A&M University System, Subterranean termites are the most destructive insect pests of wood in the United States. They cause more than $2 billion in damage each year, more property damage than that caused by fire and windstorm combined.
In nature, subterranean termites are beneficial. They break down many dead trees and other wood materials that would otherwise accumulate. The biomass of this breakdown process is recycled to the soil as humus. Problems occur when termites attack the wooden elements of human structures -- homes, businesses and warehouses. Their presence is not readily noticed because they hide their activity behind wallboards, siding or wood trim.
Homeowners in all areas of Texas should watch for subterranean termites and take precautions to prevent infestations. To minimize damage from termites, it is helpful to know the description, life cycle and infestation signs of termites as well as preventive and control measures.
To learn more about the termite treatment by CLICK HERE and about how to select a termite control service by CLICK HERE.
As stated by Dr. Roger E. Gold, a Professor and Extension Specialist in Urban Entomology at The Texas A&M University System, Subterranean termites are the most destructive insect pests of wood in the United States. They cause more than $2 billion in damage each year, more property damage than that caused by fire and windstorm combined.
In nature, subterranean termites are beneficial. They break down many dead trees and other wood materials that would otherwise accumulate. The biomass of this breakdown process is recycled to the soil as humus. Problems occur when termites attack the wooden elements of human structures -- homes, businesses and warehouses. Their presence is not readily noticed because they hide their activity behind wallboards, siding or wood trim.
Homeowners in all areas of Texas should watch for subterranean termites and take precautions to prevent infestations. To minimize damage from termites, it is helpful to know the description, life cycle and infestation signs of termites as well as preventive and control measures.
To learn more about the termite treatment by CLICK HERE and about how to select a termite control service by CLICK HERE.
ANTS
Ants are social insects and form colonies that range in size from a few dozen predatory individuals living in small natural cavities to highly organized colonies that may occupy large territories and consist of millions of individuals.
Ants are among the most prevalent pests in households. They also invade restaurants, hospitals, offices, warehouses, and other buildings where they can find food and water. There are about 10,000 described species of ants throughout the world, fewer than a dozen are important pests. The most common ant in and around the house and garden in Texas is Red imported fire ants, Carpenter ants, Acrobat ants, Pharaoh ants, crazy ants, and Odorous house ants.
Ants are social insects and form colonies that range in size from a few dozen predatory individuals living in small natural cavities to highly organized colonies that may occupy large territories and consist of millions of individuals.
Ants are among the most prevalent pests in households. They also invade restaurants, hospitals, offices, warehouses, and other buildings where they can find food and water. There are about 10,000 described species of ants throughout the world, fewer than a dozen are important pests. The most common ant in and around the house and garden in Texas is Red imported fire ants, Carpenter ants, Acrobat ants, Pharaoh ants, crazy ants, and Odorous house ants.
SPIDERS
Spiders can be pests, but they are not insects.
Most spiders are small and harmless to humans and beneficial by feeding on other pest insects. Very few of the nearly 980 species of spiders recorded in Texas can hurt people. Only two groups - recluse spiders and widow spiders are venomous and considered medically significant to humans. A few other spider groups like some house spiders, and sac spiders, have, in rare cases, been reported to cause painful bites.
Tarantulas, jumping spiders, wolf spiders and some other spiders worry people who mistakenly believe they are seriously poisonous. Although these spiders are often large, hairy and formidable looking, they rarely bite and at worst their bite is less harmful than a bee sting. People who are allergic to spider venom, though, may react severely to any spider bite.
Many people have a phobia of spiders. Knowing how to distinguish harmless from dangerous spiders and how to prevent and control them in the home, however, can prevent needless concern and reduce the chances of harm to humans.
Spiders can be pests, but they are not insects.
Most spiders are small and harmless to humans and beneficial by feeding on other pest insects. Very few of the nearly 980 species of spiders recorded in Texas can hurt people. Only two groups - recluse spiders and widow spiders are venomous and considered medically significant to humans. A few other spider groups like some house spiders, and sac spiders, have, in rare cases, been reported to cause painful bites.
Tarantulas, jumping spiders, wolf spiders and some other spiders worry people who mistakenly believe they are seriously poisonous. Although these spiders are often large, hairy and formidable looking, they rarely bite and at worst their bite is less harmful than a bee sting. People who are allergic to spider venom, though, may react severely to any spider bite.
Many people have a phobia of spiders. Knowing how to distinguish harmless from dangerous spiders and how to prevent and control them in the home, however, can prevent needless concern and reduce the chances of harm to humans.
FLEAS
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals and people. In Texas, most flea problems are caused by the cat flea. This flea feeds on cats, dogs and wildlife. Other kinds of fleas, such as the dog flea, human flea, and rat flea, are less common on pets and in homes. Fortunately, fleas need not be a serious problem because there are many effective treatments.
During their life cycle fleas pass through four stages–egg, larva, pupa and adult. Adults are stimulated to emerge by vibration or an increase in carbon dioxide. They possess powerful hind legs which allow for running and jumping through hair, fur, and feathers. However they do not usually travel long distances without a host. Fleas prefer to wait and jump onto a passing animal. Adult cat fleas require fresh blood to produce eggs. Without a host, adult fleas live only a few days to 2 weeks.
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals and people. In Texas, most flea problems are caused by the cat flea. This flea feeds on cats, dogs and wildlife. Other kinds of fleas, such as the dog flea, human flea, and rat flea, are less common on pets and in homes. Fortunately, fleas need not be a serious problem because there are many effective treatments.
During their life cycle fleas pass through four stages–egg, larva, pupa and adult. Adults are stimulated to emerge by vibration or an increase in carbon dioxide. They possess powerful hind legs which allow for running and jumping through hair, fur, and feathers. However they do not usually travel long distances without a host. Fleas prefer to wait and jump onto a passing animal. Adult cat fleas require fresh blood to produce eggs. Without a host, adult fleas live only a few days to 2 weeks.
BEDBUGS
The common bed bug has long been a pest – feeding on blood, causing itchy bites and generally irritating their human hosts. Unlike most public health pests, bed bugs are not known to transmit or spread disease. They can, however, cause other public health issues, so it’s important to pay close attention to preventing and controlling bed bugs.
Experts believe the recent increase in bed bugs in the United States may be due to more travel, lack of knowledge about preventing infestations, increased resistance of bed bugs to pesticides, and ineffective pest control practices.
The good news is that there are ways to control bed bugs. Getting good, solid information is the first step in both prevention and control. While there is no chemical quick fix, there are effective strategies to control bed bugs involving both non-chemical and chemical methods.
The common bed bug has long been a pest – feeding on blood, causing itchy bites and generally irritating their human hosts. Unlike most public health pests, bed bugs are not known to transmit or spread disease. They can, however, cause other public health issues, so it’s important to pay close attention to preventing and controlling bed bugs.
Experts believe the recent increase in bed bugs in the United States may be due to more travel, lack of knowledge about preventing infestations, increased resistance of bed bugs to pesticides, and ineffective pest control practices.
The good news is that there are ways to control bed bugs. Getting good, solid information is the first step in both prevention and control. While there is no chemical quick fix, there are effective strategies to control bed bugs involving both non-chemical and chemical methods.